Jacob Markley

On September 12, 1861, Jacob Markley staked out a land claim of 160 acres that included this site and erected a 16 by 20 foot log cabin nearby, covering it with shakes made from local Sugar Pine. He also built a bridge over nearby Markleeville Creek and collected tolls from mule team and foot traffic headed south over the bridge to Silver Mountain. Over the next year and a half, he began selling off lots in his new town of Markleeville and sold a half-interest in his land claim to Henry W. Tuttle. The settlement grew from a few small shanties and wagon tops into a bustling town with 168 buildings. On May 14, 1863, Markley was shot outside the front door of his cabin during a dispute with his partner. Tuttle claimed self-defense, and the jury exonerated him of murder. Markley was buried on a hill overlooking the town that bears his name, likely becoming the first burial in today’s Markleeville Cemetery.

Markleeville, California · United States